Gabriele Nunziati, an Italian journalist based in Brussels for the Rome-based Nova News Agency, has been dismissed from his position after asking a question about Gaza’s reconstruction during a European Commission press conference. The incident occurred on October 13, when Nunziati directly asked European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho whether Israel should bear the financial responsibility for rebuilding Gaza, drawing a parallel with the EU’s stance that Russia must pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Pinho replied that it was an “interesting question” but declined to comment further.

The exchange quickly went viral online, shared widely by various media outlets. Two weeks later, on October 27, Nunziati received an email informing him that Nova News would no longer collaborate with him. In an interview with The Intercept, he confirmed that his dismissal was linked to his Gaza-related question. Nova News spokesperson Francesco Civita also acknowledged the decision, stating the organization would not maintain ties with Nunziati.

Italian MP Anna Laura Orrico criticized the move, calling it a “shameful act” if proven true, and highlighting concerns about press freedom and journalistic independence within European media.

Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam has alleged that since August 5, BNP and Jamaat have divided administrative control among themselves. He argued that without freeing the civil and military bureaucracy from fascist dominance, ensuring a free press will be impossible.

Speaking at a discussion, Mahfuz said the media still operates to protect business interests, while national interests must take priority over group or partisan agendas. He urged political parties not to obstruct freedom of expression and to reach consensus on safeguarding press independence.

Other participants accused successive governments of allowing irregularities in the media, with some outlets shifting loyalties whenever power changes hands. They also alleged that news agencies often exercise undue control over reporting. Speakers stressed that establishing the rule of law is essential to curb yellow journalism.

Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for journalists’ wage determination to be shifted from the Information Ministry to the Labour Ministry, where journalists are officially registered.
Speaking at a discussion on the Draft Journalism Rights Protection Act 2025 and the formation of the Wage Board, Mahfuz said:

“Journalists have long demanded a wage board. Owners must come to the table.”

A 10-day window has been set for proposals, counterarguments, and consultations on the draft law.

He warned that stagnant salaries could push journalists toward corruption.
Mahfuz also criticized newspaper owners, saying their reluctance has stalled implementation of the 9th Wage Board.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has rejected a headline published by Kolkata-based daily Ei Samay, which quoted him as questioning why India places BNP and Jamaat “in the same bracket.”

Fakhrul said he never made that statement, though the interview did highlight his criticism of India for adopting the Awami League’s narrative.

“BNP is a secular, centrist democratic party. Jamaat and BNP’s politics are not the same. We fought against anti-liberation forces, and our leftist allies remain with us,” Fakhrul clarified.

Meanwhile, Jamaat has condemned as “false and vindictive” another claim in the report—that the party pressured BNP for more seats in past elections.

The United States has set its sights on a Bangladeshi port as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, according to a report by The Economic Times.
The initiative falls under the Quad’s “Ports for the Future” program, aimed at balancing China’s growing presence in the Bay of Bengal. Washington has already held preliminary talks in Dhaka with local stakeholders.
The report also noted that the US military is active in strategically vital Chattogram. Notably, India has no role yet in Washington’s plan, although New Delhi is considering a public-private partnership to develop a Bangladeshi port. Meanwhile, Japan is building a deep-sea port at Matarbari, and India previously secured operational rights for a Mongla port terminal in 2024 under Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Jamuna Television has been honored with the prestigious Superbrands Award in the news-based television category.

Jamuna’s leadership said the recognition will serve as an inspiration to work even harder. “This achievement comes from our courage to call black ‘black’ and white ‘white,’” a senior executive noted.

This year, Superbrands recognized 49 leading brands across multiple categories for the next two years. The award celebrates excellence in product quality, customer service, and brand commitment.

Superbrands is a London-based global organization that identifies and honors outstanding brands worldwide.

Jamuna TV journalist Ayub Khan Sarkar was assaulted while covering a violent clash between two factions of BNP in the remote char area of Alokbali, Narsingdi. The attack took place at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital on Thursday afternoon, where he is now under treatment.

Additional Superintendent of Police Jewel Rana confirmed that three individuals have been detained in connection with the attack.

The clash, which erupted at dawn on Thursday, left BNP activist Idan Mia (62) dead from gunshot wounds and injured at least five others. The deceased was a resident of Muradnagar village in Alokbali Union.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has called on journalists covering the economy and business sectors to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions—stressing that doing so is not just a right but a responsibility.
He cautioned reporters not to be intimidated by economists with prestigious Western degrees, warning that selective use of statistics often leads to misleading claims about employment, poverty, and economic performance.
“To truly hold them accountable,” Alam wrote, “you must see the bigger picture—beyond exports, imports, inflation, reserves, or current account deficits. Look also at crime data, labor unrest, and cross-sector impacts. Only then can you expose hollow claims.”

During a media reform discussion, journalists demanded a review of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations, the introduction of a “No Wage Board, No Media” policy, and a minimum monthly salary of Tk 35,000.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam welcomed many of the commission’s recommendations but strongly opposed the proposal to scrap the clause on “hurting religious sentiments.”
“Religion-related violence is a serious issue, and penalties must remain in place to prevent it,” he said. He endorsed the “No Wage Board, No Media” proposal and added that editors and publishers should not hold union positions, as it conflicts with policy. Journalists, he said, should be certified to prevent “pseudo-journalism” from harming the profession.
He also suggested security deposits: Tk 10–15 crore for online media, Tk 20 crore for newspapers, and Tk 20–25 crore for TV channels.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has said that the current government infrastructure is inadequate to ensure journalists’ financial and social security.
“A coordinated effort between government and private sectors is essential,” he noted.

He added that while the government provides some support through the Journalist Welfare Trust, implementing the Journalist Protection Act has been difficult due to inter-ministerial complexities. “With more time, we will try to make this law effective,” he assured.

The Anti-Fascist Resistance Movement has demanded punitive measures and travel bans against senior BTV officials, including Chief News Editor Munshi Fariduzzaman, Syeda Tasmina Ahmed, and Shamsul Alam, accusing them of aiding state propaganda during the July massacre.

At a human chain event, Mohammad Olid, acting editor of Bangla Post, said that while Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, her trusted aides remain entrenched in BTV. He alleged that Fariduzzaman, a former member of Hasina’s press wing, and Tasmina continue to control state media operations, while Shamsul Alam—who allegedly directed student killings—is now part of the chief adviser’s press wing.

The group claimed that through these figures, sensitive state information and footage are still being funneled to Hasan Mahmud.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Rahman has said that although climate change impacts nearly every sector of Bangladesh, the country’s story rarely makes its way to the international stage.

Speaking on Monday, he stressed that without effective global outreach, securing adequate funding and support becomes increasingly difficult. “Bangladesh is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations. Cyclones, floods, tidal surges, and salinity intrusion are intensifying every year,” he noted.

From Sylhet’s water crisis to salinity in the southwest and chronic waterlogging in Bhobdaha, the secretary identified clear consequences of climate change that fail to attract global attention. He called on the media to take the lead in shaping strong narratives for climate finance, citing world-renowned journalists Bill McKibben and Elizabeth Kolbert as examples of impactful reporting.

Advisor Mahfuz Alam has warned that the spread of fake social media pages using logos of established news outlets reflects a deeper “crisis of trust in society.”

He noted that in the past 15 years, public confidence in the media has eroded. Ahead of the upcoming national election, Mahfuz assured that the government will take all necessary steps to prevent violence.

Calling for responsible journalism, he said: “If journalists stand firm for their rights, no government can interfere in their profession. Journalism must serve the people, not any group.”

Mahfuz also criticized the Election Commission for not consulting the Information Ministry while drafting media guidelines and linked the rise of mob violence to irresponsible media practices. He urged online journalists to act responsibly, stressing that the media has a vital role in preventing post-election violence.

Two journalists from DBC News and Kaalbela newspaper were brutally attacked in Kamalapur on Saturday night. Senior Reporter Redwanul Haque of DBC News and Staff Reporter Abduzzaher Bhuiyan Anas of Kaalbela were assaulted with rods and sticks near a residence adjacent to the Camel Farm area around 10 p.m. The victims were rescued by colleagues and taken to hospital. In his formal complaint, Redwan named Ali Hossain, Mamun Ahmed, and Shahin Ahmed as attackers. Police have since launched a manhunt, confirmed OC Mezbah Uddin.

The Multimedia Reporters Association has strongly criticized Umama Fatema for her derogatory comments targeting journalists, particularly mobile journalists, while running for DUCSU VP.

The association stated that mobile journalism is a vital tool for rapid, on-the-spot reporting, strengthening democratic processes. Secretary Akhtaruzzaman said Fatema is obstructing journalists under the guise of “personal privacy,” ignoring that DUCSU elections are public events. The association demanded that Fatema retract her statements immediately.